Recently I was thinking about shelf life. Shelf life is usually referred to particular items. Note, for example, the expiration date on your orange juice, milk, even soymilk containers. But what about shelf life for your shelf?

I asked my shelf what its shelf life was. It said, "I'm holding up. Speaking for my shelf, of course, I hope to live a long, long time." Then it was quiet. It preferred to shelve the rest of its thoughts away.

I next asked what its plans were for the evening.

"First, I need to go over some books. Then I'm going out."

"With friends?" I asked.

"With me, my shelf, and I."